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Broan Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling

If your Broan central air conditioner is short cycling, the system may turn on and off repeatedly without completing a normal cooling cycle. Start with the Broan air filter, the most likely cause. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the furnace or air handler, can freeze the evaporator coil, and may cause the AC to shut down early. Next, inspect the outdoor condenser coils. Dirt and debris prevent heat from leaving the system, which can make the compressor overheat and trigger short cycling. If those checks do not solve the problem, a defective Broan wall thermostat or thermostat wiring may be sending intermittent power to the furnace, air handler, or condensing unit. A failed control board is less common but can also interrupt cooling operation. Replace only parts that match your model, and enter your Broan model number to find the exact replacement air filter, thermostat, or control board for your central air conditioner. Turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker before inspection. Testing 240V components or diagnosing refrigerant, the compressor, or another sealed-system problem requires a licensed HVAC technician; refrigerant work requires EPA 608 certification.

01 - Broan Central Air Conditioner Air Filter

Check and replace the air filter at least twice a year, more often in dusty/dirty environments or if there is a pet in the home. A clogged air filter will greatly reduce the air flow of the furnace or air handler which can result in the unit short cycling when trying to cool the home.
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Highly Likely

02 - Condenser Coils are Dirty

The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the heat pump will become less efficient, causing the unit to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the heat pump will not be able to remove the heat from the outdoor coil, resulting in the compressor overheating and short cycling. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
Common

03 - Broan Central Air Conditioner Wall Thermostat

The wall thermostat has electrical contacts that control the power supply to the furnace, air handler and condensing unit. If the contacts in the thermostat fail, the cooling system may turn on intermittently. To determine if the thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the wall thermostat does not show proper continuity, replace it.
Less Common

04 - Broan Central Air Conditioner Wifi Thermostat

The WiFi thermostat has electrical contacts that control the power supply to the furnace, air handler and condensing unit. If the contacts in the thermostat fail, the cooling system may run intermittently. To determine if the thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the WiFi thermostat does not show proper continuity, replace it.
Less Common

05 - Clogged Air Filter

If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the home's venting system. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over and not be able to remove moisture from the air. The air filter should be checked and replaced at least twice a year, more often in dusty/dirty environments. Refer to owner's manual for guidance.
Less Common

06 - Broan Central Air Conditioner Control Board

The control board regulates the power supply to all of the components of the furnace or air handler. If the control board fails, it might not send voltage to parts of the cooling system, causing a loss of cooling and frequent cycling.
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Broan central air conditioner short cycling?
Can a dirty air filter cause my AC to turn on and off repeatedly?
How do I test a Broan thermostat when my AC is short cycling?
Could the Broan control board be causing my central air conditioner to short cycle?
How do I find the right Broan replacement part for my short-cycling AC?